PRN LVN

About the Role

The primary purpose of this position is to provide direct nursing care to residents and to supervise the day-to-day nursing activities performed by nursing assistants. Supervision must align with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations governing the facility, ensuring the highest degree of quality care is maintained at all times.

Responsibilities

Administrative Functions

• Direct the day-to-day functions of nursing assistants in accordance with facility rules, regulations, and guidelines.
• Ensure compliance with facility policies and procedures for all assigned nursing personnel.
• Periodically review and recommend revisions to department policies, procedure manuals, and job descriptions.
• Plan shifts’ services, programs, and activities with assigned nursing staff and support personnel.
• Maintain and ensure compliance with the Nursing Service Procedures Manual.
• Submit written and oral reports concerning shift activities as required.
• Coordinate with other resident services to maintain the resident’s total regimen of care.
• Ensure nursing service personnel comply with their job descriptions.
• Participate in the facility’s quality assurance program for the nursing service department.
• Participate in facility surveys conducted by authorized government agencies.
• Review and update residents’ written discharge plans as required.
• Interpret department policies to personnel, residents, visitors, and government agencies.
• Admit, transfer, and discharge residents as required.
• Complete and submit accident/incident reports, daily census reports, and resident charge slips.
• Perform administrative duties such as completing medical forms, evaluations, and charting.
• Maintain confidentiality of resident and facility information, reporting any violations or unauthorized access attempts.

Charting and Documentation

• Complete and file required recordkeeping forms/charts upon resident admission, transfer, or discharge.
• Encourage physicians to review treatment plans and sign orders in accordance with facility policies.
• Receive and record telephone orders from physicians on the Physicians’ Order Form.
• Transcribe physician orders to resident charts, care plans, and medication cards.
• Chart nurses’ notes descriptively, reflecting care provided and resident responses.
• Complete and submit accident/incident reports as required.
• Record new or changed diet orders and forward information to the Food Services Department.
• Report discrepancies in physician orders, diet changes, or charting errors to the Nurse Supervisor.
• Complete transfer forms and ensure appropriate documentation for unauthorized discharges.
• Perform routine charting duties and ensure all entries are signed and dated.

Drug Administration Functions

• Prepare and administer medications as ordered by the physician.
• Verify resident identity before administering medication or treatment.
• Ensure medications are not administered to the wrong resident.
• Maintain an adequate supply of floor stock medications, supplies, and equipment.
• Report supply needs to the Nurse Supervisor and order as necessary.
• Maintain accurate narcotic records and report discrepancies.
• Review medication cards for completeness and accuracy.
• Notify physicians of automatic stop orders prior to the last dosage.
• Dispose of drugs and narcotics in accordance with established procedures.

Personnel Functions

• Participate in employee performance evaluations and determine staffing requirements for your shift.
• Make recommendations concerning employee dismissals or transfers to the Nurse Supervisor.
• Inform the Nurse Supervisor of staffing needs due to absences or call-ins.
• Review and evaluate the department’s workforce and recommend improvements.
• Develop work assignments and assist in completing them.
• Provide leadership to nursing personnel assigned to your unit/shift.
• Make daily rounds to ensure nursing personnel perform duties according to standards.
• Ensure nursing assistants are enrolled in or have graduated from an approved training program.
• Supervise nurse aide trainees under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse.
• Hold regular meetings with shift personnel to address and correct problem areas.
• Ensure compliance with department policies by personnel, residents, and visitors.
• Maintain a positive working rapport with inter-departmental personnel.
• Create a calm and welcoming environment for residents and staff.
• Review and address complaints or grievances filed by assigned personnel.
• Administer disciplinary action fairly and without bias.
• Conduct shift change reports and ensure continuity of care.
• Report occupational exposures to blood, body fluids, or hazardous chemicals.
• Report suspected fraud to the Administrator.
• Ensure unattended workstations are properly logged off or secured.

Nursing Care Functions

• Inform nursing personnel of new admissions, room assignments, and expected arrival times.
• Prepare rooms for new admissions and greet residents upon arrival.
• Participate in the orientation of new residents and family members.
• Make rounds with physicians as necessary.
• Requisition and arrange for diagnostic and therapeutic services as ordered by the physician.
• Consult with physicians regarding resident care, treatment, and rehabilitation.
• Review resident charts for treatments, medication orders, and diets.
• Implement and maintain established nursing objectives and standards.
• Conduct periodic checks to ensure prescribed treatments are administered properly.
• Ensure direct nursing care is provided by qualified personnel.
• Coordinate nursing service schedules with social and activity programs.
• Notify attending physicians of resident accidents, incidents, or condition changes.
• Carry out restorative and rehabilitative programs, including self-help and care.
• Inspect nursing service treatment areas daily for cleanliness and safety.
• Administer professional services such as catheterization, tube feedings, suction, wound care, and range of motion exercises.
• Use restraints when necessary and in accordance with established policies.
• Obtain specimens for lab tests as ordered (e.g., sputum, urine).
• Monitor and record vital signs (e.g., temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure).
• Monitor seriously ill residents as necessary.
• Check foods brought by family/visitors to ensure dietary compliance.
• Ensure care is provided in accordance with the resident’s care plan and wishes.
• Frequently check residents unable to call for help.
• Meet with residents and family members to address concerns.
• Admit, transfer, and discharge residents as necessary.
• Assist in arranging transportation for discharged residents.
• Inform family members of resident deaths and coordinate with funeral homes as requested.
• Follow established post-mortem procedures.

Staff Development

• Participate in developing, planning, and scheduling in-service training classes.
• Implement and maintain an effective orientation program for new employees.